Highlights of the Eastern and Central Andes — 5-Day Birding Tour
Join a 5-day birding tour across the Eastern and Central Andes from cloud forest to puna, spotting endemics.
This five-day birding journey traces the eastern and central Andes from the high páramo above Bogotá to the forested corridors of Tolima. We begin in Sumapaz National Park, where open, windswept landscapes set a patient morning rhythm before moving down to Chicaque Park in search of mixed flocks and the near-endemic Golden-bellied Starfrontlet. From there we return to Bogotá’s metropolitan area, staying at Hotel Masaya.
The next day takes us to Bosque Guajira Reserve for a flexible block of native-forest birding and hummingbird photography, followed by an afternoon at the Guasca hummingbird feeders. Sword-billed Hummingbird, Great Sapphirewing, and several pufflegs and trainbearers may appear as we work through the feeders. We then transfer toward the Upper Magdalena, where Mana Dulce’s tropical dry forest offers a change of habitat and birds such as Velvet-fronted Euphonia, Apical Flycatcher, and Dwarf Cuckoo. Overnights are at Urapanes del Bosque.
Based in Anaime, we look for Yellow-eared Parrot in Andean countryside of wax palms and forest patches, with a stop for Torrent Duck along the Anaime River. A dedicated feeder and photography session follows at Retorno del Colibrí. The journey closes at the Pro Aves biological corridor, a moss- and frailejon-rich reserve that protects the Indigo-winged Parrot and the upper watershed’s connectivity for Spectacled Bear and other endemic fauna.
Expedition Highlights
Suitability & conditions
A practical overview of the pace, comfort, and conditions to expect on this journey.
Seasonality
The journey at a glance
Following the route
The journey moves gradually through 2 chapters.
Route shown schematically for orientation.
Target Species
A curated selection of the iconic species we aim to encounter and photograph throughout our journey.
Hotels
Hotel Masaya Bogota
Hotel Boutique | $$$
The Masaya San Agustín is an ecolodge hotel with a unique design, comfortable and in total harmony with the environment, inspired by the indigenous community houses of the region, is a replica worthy of being admired and appreciated; from its large maloca, spacious social spaces and incredible views to the rooms and hut rooms, its terraces, the vegetable garden or the nature trails, are the perfect pretext for the beginning of an unforgettable and diverse local experience.
Urapanes del Bosque
Ecolodge | $$$
Nestled in the lush highlands of Cajamarca, Tolima, Urapanes del Bosque offers a serene escape surrounded by breathtaking Andean landscapes. This charming hotel blends rustic elegance with modern comforts, featuring cozy, well-appointed rooms with panoramic views of rolling hills and vibrant flora. Guests can savor authentic Colombian cuisine at the on-site restaurant, relax in tranquil gardens, or explore nearby nature trails teeming with local wildlife. With warm hospitality and a peaceful ambiance, it’s the perfect retreat for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation in Colombia’s picturesque countryside.
Price Details
Our tour prices are based on a tiered pricing model. more guests = lower price, per person. That means the prices go down on a per-person basis as more people book onto a specific tour departure.
Price Base
- Price for 2 people: 695 EUR (139 EUR / day)
- Price for 3 to 4 people: 495 EUR (99 EUR / day)
- Price for 5 to 6 people: 295 EUR (59 EUR / day)
- Price for 7 to 8 people: 295 EUR (59 EUR / day)
** Prices are based on double occupancy / twin share basis.
Included
- Hotels mentioned in the program
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Hotels mentioned in the program- Hotel Masaya Bogota — 2 nights · Hotel Boutique
- Urapanes del Bosque — 2 nights · Ecolodge
- Meals indicated in the program: 4 breakfasts
- 1 cocktail before dinner
- Water is included
- Professional photographic guidance & instruction by Tristan Quevilly
- Transportation in comfortable vehicles
- Preparation Meeting (Pre-trip briefing and final Q&A session held via Zoom)
- 1h skype session of photo editing in Lightroom or Photoshop
- Restaurant gratuities / tips
- Pre-trip planning assistance
- Detailed trip notes with practical information and cultural insights
- Access to Remote Expeditions custom travel app
Not Included
- Lunch on Arrival day, day 2, day 3, day 4 and Departure day, Dinner on Arrival day, day 2, day 3 and day 4
- Tips
- International flights
- Travel, Medical & Cancellation insurance
- Additional drinks and meals
- Expenses not specified in the program
- Camera Equipment
Deposit
- 30% (149 EUR approx)
Payment Options
- Bank Transfer (Recommended): Free
- Credit / Debit Card: Secure payment via Revolut. A 3% processing fee applies.
Booking Conditions
- Deposit: 30% to secure your booking
- Final payment: Due 90 days before departure
- Cancellation more than 90 days before departure: Deposit retained as a 4-year travel credit
- Read the full Terms & Conditions ↗
Where does your investment go?
A transparent look at how your bespoke itinerary is funded.
A few kind words
Colombia Photography Tour 2026
Top notch photographic experience for enthusiasts of nature, culture, and portraits. Tristan is well connected to the area and the local communities with a specialty in indigenous tribes and less-visited areas. Additionally, he is an excellent teacher and will provide incredibly helpful instruction on exposure, lighting, and composition. Our tour was incredibly well organized and ran on time, with full days of photography. I fully recommend Remote Expeditions for your photographic travels!
You are in good hands with Tristan!
Tristan does an amazing job at putting together a culturally rich experience. He also does a great job at adapting to his clients needs and interests. He responds well to feedback. He is both professional and personable. I feel as though I had the opportunity not only to photograph many different elements of Colombia, but that I truly experienced the country and its culture. Our adventure took us from birding in the mountains outside of Cali, to visiting remote indigenous tribes, to visiting active fishing villages, to learning about local and historical musicians and customs, to beautiful settings in the mountains and along the seashore.
I give Tristan the highest recommendation as a guide for Colombia.
Colombia Birding Tour
I visited Colombia with Tristan of Remote Expeditions and would highly recommend him. He put together a wonderful itinerary with great knowledge of the areas and attention to details to give us a wonderful sampling of the country. He is personally very gentle and fun by nature and you will return home feeling very happy and satisfied. Whatever your special interest is, I’m sure he can make an itinerary to exceed your goals.
The difference is in the details
Journeys shaped by experience
Every route is built from time spent in the field: knowing when to linger, when to move on, and which small details are worth noticing.
Room for the unexpected
The best moments are not always on the itinerary. We leave enough flexibility to follow a good conversation, an unusual sighting, or a changing landscape.
Local relationships that open doors
Our journeys are grounded in long-term relationships with people who know their home intimately and are proud to share it in their own way.
A small group, properly looked after
With only a few travellers, decisions remain personal. We can adapt the pace, answer questions, and make sure everyone feels part of the journey.
Extend your journey
Optional extensions and add-ons you may consider for your trip. Each can be added to your itinerary on request — just let me know.
